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Restored in 2005, the Whaling Museum features top-quality exhibits and galleries, as well as daily programs and tours that bring to life the history of this magical island. The museum is home to a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a restored 1847 oil and candle factory, and countless Nantucket artifacts and treasures. A relaxing, fully-accessible rooftop observation deck offers stunning views of Nantucket harbor.

About Whaling Museum

Restored in 2005, the Whaling Museum features top-quality exhibits and galleries, as well as daily programs and tours that bring to life the history of this magical island. The museum is home to a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a restored 1847 oil and candle factory, and countless Nantucket artifacts and treasures. A relaxing, fully-accessible rooftop observation deck offers stunning views of Nantucket harbor.

Great museum about the whaling industry which is synonymous with Nantucket.
Exhibits are very well done and change every few months
Architecturally, a great design
Don't miss the roof for a great view of Nantucket & the Harbor.
Another great photo opportunity!!

Ask Barry R about Whaling Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We visited Nantucket Island in the off-season, visiting from New Zealand. We had made contact with staff prior to our visit, so we were very lucky to have a guided tour, even though the museum was in a state of flux (setting up new displays)....More

Ask PlesFam about Whaling Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

This could be a really great museum. When I go to museums that document a mass slaughter of living beings, the museum tends to highlight the victims' history....not just the history of the aggressor and commerce. These museums often pay tribute to the lost souls....More

Ask LoveCapeMay_10 about Whaling Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

The community spirit here is heartwarming. I loved the extraordinary women presentation and would love to congratulate the musician who created the delightful song from the long ago poem. Kudos to the women who were honored and to the women who played them.More

Ask nansears about Whaling Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

NHATeam, Public Relations Manager at Whaling Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 24 January 2018

Thank you for your feedback! The 'Extraordinary Women of Nantucket" was such a fun program and we are looking into an encore presentation sometime this spring! Please check back with us on our website for more information about our Extraordinary Women program and more exciting...More

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

The museum had a program about the women of the island. It was very interesting and educational. I highly recommend this MuseumMore

Ask Donna C about Whaling Museum

Thank Donna C

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

NHATeam, Public Relations Manager at Whaling Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 24 January 2018

Hi Donna, so great to hear that you enjoyed this special program- it was a lot of fun for us here at the museum too! Stay tuned for news of an encore presentation sometime in the spring - as well as other exciting new programs...More

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

The Whaling Museum is very informative and well work visiting. Plan to spend +- an hour there. Perfect for rainy days.More

Ask Kim O about Whaling Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

NHATeam, Public Relations Manager at Whaling Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 25 January 2018

Kim, thank you for your feedback on your experience at our whaling museum, rainy days are certainly well spent here! But if you do happen to come back to Nantucket on a nicer day be sure to explore our additional historic sites around the downtown...More

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

This museum has a wide collection of artifacts, displayed very attractively, and a lot of information about whalers and whaling. The building is beautiful, andthe whale skeleton and oil press are very impressive!

Ask Snozbury about Whaling Museum

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Hi Georgia,
Our museum does not operate whale watching tours. We recommend contacting Nantucket Visitor Services or the Chamber of Commerce to find a company that provides these sort of offerings.
We hope you'll come... More

Hi Georgia,
Our museum does not operate whale watching tours. We recommend contacting Nantucket Visitor Services or the Chamber of Commerce to find a company that provides these sort of offerings.
We hope you'll come visit us at the museum as well!

Thank you for your question. Service dogs are the only dogs that are allowed in the Whaling Museum. If your dog is a service dog, you may bring it with you during your visit, otherwise, animals are not permitted. Thank you!

Hi Ben,
Yes, the Whaling Museum is wheelchair accessible. We have elevators that go from the first floor all the way up to our rooftop observation deck, as well as a wheelchair lift in our historic 1847 candle factory.
We... More

Hi Ben,
Yes, the Whaling Museum is wheelchair accessible. We have elevators that go from the first floor all the way up to our rooftop observation deck, as well as a wheelchair lift in our historic 1847 candle factory.
We hope this answer was helpful and we hope to see you at the museum someday!